Lionel Messi made another piece of history as Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2–0 to win the 2026 Campeones Cup.
The Argentine star scored the opening goal before helping create the second. The victory also gave Inter Miami their first Campeones Cup title.
Messi Scores His 100th Inter Miami Goal
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute at Nu Stadium.
Luis Suárez delivered a cross into the box. Messi rose above the Cruz Azul defence and headed the ball into the net.
The goal was special because it was Messi’s 100th goal for Inter Miami.
He reached the milestone in his 115th appearance for the club across all competitions. It also came against Cruz Azul, the same team he scored against when he made his Inter Miami debut in 2023.
Casemiro Seals the Victory
Cruz Azul pushed for an equaliser after the break. However, Inter Miami remained dangerous and continued to create chances.
Messi thought he had scored again early in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Cruz Azul then came close to equalising. Gabriel Fernández hit the post with a header, while Casemiro helped stop the follow-up effort.
Inter Miami finally secured the win in the 81st minute.
Messi delivered a corner into the box. Casemiro rose to meet it and headed the ball into the net to make it 2–0.
Inter Miami Add Another Trophy
The Campeones Cup win adds another major trophy to Inter Miami’s growing collection.
The club won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025. The 2026 Campeones Cup now becomes the latest addition.
It was also the club’s first Campeones Cup title.
The competition brings together the previous MLS Cup winner and the winner of Mexico’s Campeón de Campeones.
Messi Continues to Make History
Messi’s latest performance adds another memorable moment to his Inter Miami career.
Since joining the club in 2023, he has played a central role in the team’s rise. His 100th goal came on a night when the club lifted another trophy.
For Inter Miami, the victory also provided a strong start for new head coach Cristian “Kily” González in his first match in charge.
The club will now turn its attention back to the MLS regular season as it continues its 2026 campaign.